This works the same on many modern Windows laptops. Although laptops still have less graphics and processor performance than desktop versions, mobile hardware is enough to handle most daily tasks.

With the support of Thunderbolt docking stations, you can instantly transform a portable workstation into a complete desktop system with just one cable. Today's computers are indeed a masterpiece of modern engineering.

It is very convenient to use the same computer in a desk and mobile scene

One of the main reasons I wanted (and eventually implemented) to use a laptop as a desktop was to want to use the same system when going out and at my desk. This allows me to easily switch from a desktop work environment with a keyboard, mouse and monitor to a mobile office mode in a sofa or cafe.

The M-series chip Mac has taken this experience to a new level. Now, when I connect the monitor to my MacBook Pro, the screen doesn't need to be refreshed; the same is true when I disconnect. Whether working at a desk or elsewhere, the switching process is extremely smooth.

I can't remember how many times I suddenly wanted to transfer to the living room sofa while working at my desk, so I just had to unplug the Thunderbolt data cable connected to my MacBook and take the notebook away directly - this is a convenience that the traditional "desktop notebook" combination cannot achieve.

##### 14-inch M4 Pro 12-core MacBook Pro

operating system

macOS Sequoia

CPU

M4 Pro 12 core

This M4 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro, which uses the "graded screening" process, is one of the most cost-effective products produced in Apple's factory. Although it is not the cheapest model in the M4 series, it is the most cost-effective option, enough to be the last laptop for most people in years.

Check out Amazon $1999Apple $1999Best Buy $1999Expand Close I miss the computer on my desk that always turns on

A few years ago, I had moved from a MacBook Pro to a full Windows desktop as my workhorse. That was my first time using a dedicated desktop in years - I briefly used Hackintosh and Mac mini before 2016 before switching to a more powerful MacBook Pro.

Having a desktop computer that is always on and ready to use is a feature that I didn't realize I miss so much until I lost it. About a month ago, I switched my main device back to the M1 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro and enjoyed the smooth experience of macOS again.

However, I really miss the computer on my desk that is always online. Although I still have a gaming PC in my office, now I only use it to play games and spend most of the time shutting down.

I'm used to having a normally open device in the office, so I often walk into the room to quickly process an email or access the server, only to find that my MacBook is still in my bag and the desktop doesn't wake up immediately because I press the keys on the keyboard.

I like using the MacBook Pro as a desktop replacement, but I do miss a real desktop.

##### Apple Mac Mini (M4)

brand

Apple

storage

256GB

The new Mac mini with a powerful M4 chip comes with 16GB of memory, 256GB SSD, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU for excellent performance.

$599 Amazon Price $599 Apple Official Website Price Expand Close I will choose Mac mini (or Mac Studio) with MacBook Air

My M1 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro is undoubtedly a performance monster. But if I were to buy a new device now, I would skip the MacBook Pro and instead choose a combination of Mac mini or Mac Studio with MacBook Air. Today, the MacBook Pro, which is comparable to my existing configuration, costs up to $3,699 (although there is a little more memory).

With a slightly higher budget, I can have a reliable Mac Studio and MacBook Air combination. The Mac Studio will come with the same M4 Max chip and 48GB of RAM, which, while slightly less built-in storage, is easily compensated by an external SSD.

As for the MacBook Air, although the performance is slightly weak, I don’t need the ultimate computing power when I go out now. 24GB of memory and 512GB of storage have fully met all my needs in a non-desktop environment.

##### Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4, 2025)

operating system

macOS

CPU

Apple M4

The M4 version of MacBook Air continues its thin and light design, and after upgrading to the M4 chip, it will perform further in media processing and AI tasks. The new 12MP Center Stage camera, support for dual external monitors, and Wi-Fi 6E make it an even better consumer-grade notebook.

GPU

8 or 10 core graphics processors

Memory

16, 24, 32GB

storage

256, 512, 1TB, 2TB

Battery

53.8Whr

Display (size, resolution)

13.6-inch 2560 x 1664 Liquid Retina display with peak brightness of 500 nits

Camera

12MP CenterStage

speaker

Four-speaker audio system

color

Starlight, silver, midnight, sky blue

interface

2 USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, 1 headphone jack

Apple's official website $999Amazon $999Best Buy $999Expand Close Of course, this is just based on my personal preferences - because I like to have strong computing resources at any time. But frankly, if you want a normally open desktop in the office while taking into account portability, the Mac mini with MacBook Air is the smarter choice. You can keep it running 24/7, with extremely low power consumption and always on standby.

Anyway, I think it's worth it to have a dedicated desktop in the home office – especially given the affordable price of the latest Mac mini.

---

I firmly believe that dedicated desktops have their irreplaceable value, but you may not think so. If you prefer to use a MacBook directly instead of desktop computers, the current models are also fully qualified.

Nowadays, turning a Mac laptop into a desktop system is actually very simple. You only need a set of peripherals and a dock to complete the entire construction. If you want to try this transformation, please refer to this detailed guide: How to build your Mac laptop into a desktop workstation.

The above is the detailed content of Why I'm Done Using My Laptop as a Desktop. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!